Quintana, UN Special Rapporteur on North Korean Human Rights, "If Leaflets Affect Border Areas, Distribution Should Be Restricted"

"Restrictions on Freedom of Expression Possible if Security Threats or Third-Party Influence Occur"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Thomas Ojea Quintana, the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on North Korean Human Rights, who visited Korea, stated on the 19th, "My views on freedom of expression do not seem to have been clearly reported in the media," adding, "According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, certain freedoms can be restricted, and such restrictions come with conditions."

On the morning of the same day, Rapporteur Quintana listened to vivid testimonies from residents of areas where leaflets were distributed toward North Korea, including Cheorwon, Yeoncheon, Paju, Gimpo, and Ganghwado, at the Borderline Peace School beyond the Civilian Control Line (CCL). He said, "There are two conditions for restricting freedom of expression. The first is when it threatens national security, and the second is when it affects third parties."

Rapporteur Quintana explained, "When asked about the law banning the distribution of leaflets to North Korea (the amended Inter-Korean Relations Development Act) in the media, I stated, 'The government has two grounds to restrict distribution. The first is for reasons of national security, and the second is the impact on you all.'" He added, "The only issue raised was the provisions related to punishment," and said, "According to the law banning leaflet distribution to North Korea, one can face up to three years of imprisonment, so I only suggested revising that provision."

Rapporteur Quintana said, "North Korean residents do not enjoy freedom of expression or the freedom to contact the outside world like you do. This is a fact, and I think we need to acknowledge this fact." Residents also showed the rapporteur actual leaflets mocking and insulting Kim Jong-un, the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea.

Rapporteur Quintana expressed concern, saying, "I do not know if the leaflets help North Korean residents access outside information," but added, "One clear fact is that North Korean residents are not respected at all in terms of freedom of expression and freedom of information, and this is a serious problem."

He promised to convey the residents' messages to the international community and said, "North Korea has not yet allowed me to visit, but I hope to meet North Korean residents as well."

This visit to the border area by Rapporteur Quintana was made following his promise during a video conference with the Monday Peace Prayer Meeting in May last year. He arrived in Korea on the 15th to prepare a report on North Korean human rights to be submitted to the UN Human Rights Council next month and will stay until the 23rd to collect data. Having started his term in August 2016, this is his seventh visit to Korea. He will conclude his six-year term this coming August.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.